ARCH Support Running

My sister was 8 years old when she was denied access to an education in her "regular" classroom setting, by our public board of education arguing that she couldn't learn, couldn't understand, and worse, was a disruption and distraction to her classmates.  

Those who know her, and take the time to understand her, have always seen that she understands her world in ways she isn't easily able to articulate to strangers.  Body language, and a laughs at appropriate moments of witty or sardonic banter are easily written off by those who would prefer not to see.  My parents did see though, and knew her life would be enriched - and that she would have the greatest opportunity to reach her potential - if she were taught alongside her peers.

And so they appealed the decision to segregate her, first through mechanisms provided under Ontario's Education Act, then through the Ontario and ultimately the Canadian Supreme Court.  While the fight was initially undertaken by my parents alone, as the case progressed, the Advocacy Resource Centre for the Handicapped (now known as ARCH Disability Law Centre) stepped up, and provided pro-bono legal representation on Emily's behalf as the case progressed through the courts.  This was a tough time for my family.  The stress of work, 4 children in school, plus the fight to keep one of them from being removed from her classroom...  I don't know how we'd have survived without ARCH's help.

Fast forward 25 years, and...  

I took up running this spring as something to keep me from going stir crazy during the lock down that COVID-19 brought about, but wanted to make it about something more than just myself and staying sane.  So, with my 42nd birthday approaching, I decided to set a goal of running a marathon (42.2km) that day as a way of raising funds, and giving something small back.  

Ultimately our challenge failed at the Supreme Court.  There is no presumption towards integration in education under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  ARCH Disability Law Centre continues to advocate for a change to that position, and for the right to inclusion for children like my sister.  They deserve our help (and a bit of recognition).

Emily's story did have a happy ending.  Our local Catholic school board stepped forward when Emily's case rose to prominence, and offered to provide her with the integrated education she deserved, but unless and until we reach a stage where inclusion is the expectation, other children who's families don't have the ability to fight, will continue to be sidelined and be denied what should be their rights.